I bought this board brand new in February 2011, pulled it out of the packaging, waxed it and used it a total of three days inbounds on a 60+ inch base at Purgatory. The base is perfect. I just removed a fresh coat of wax, so even that part has been taken care of. The top sheet has minor scuffs where the binders were mounted, four Dakine mini stompers and an inconsequential nick on one side and is otherwise in excellent condition.

The Venture Zephyr has won awards out the wazoo and seems to sell out yearly around the first of the year at full retail price ($585)! The only difference between this board (2011) and the current model (2012) are the colors, and the 2011 looks a lot cooler in my opinion (and shared with everyone else I know).

Beautiful board, way too small for me. How did you like riding it? Is the taper noticable?

phishoutofwater

01-01-2012 01:50 PM

All the reviews are accurate: this thing charges and floats like no other board I've ridden, regardless of conditions. I was concerned about a 159 being too small as well when I bought it thinking a 163 would make more sense, but the rocker completely takes care of any float concerns and having 4 less cm makes it more responsive. Highly recommended.

SPAZ

01-01-2012 05:16 PM

Op has the best username ever!

phishoutofwater

01-03-2012 07:34 PM

Biddy-Bump-Bada-Bump

Seriously? I can't believe no one has jumped on this bargain yet.

easton714

01-03-2012 07:56 PM

I'd be interested but not at $385. They have year old Storms on their site for $410 new and there was a zephyr new on eBay for 400 last week.

phishoutofwater

01-03-2012 08:22 PM

Thanks for your interest, but you clearly aren't comparing apples to apples. If you look a little closer at Venture's site, they no longer have any old Zephyrs for sale. The one they did have up until last week was tiny (like a 148 with a 24 cm waist or something - probably the smallest board they ever built) and I believe was a different cut and stiffness. All of the other model boards (non-zephyrs) are non-rockered (cambered), small or huge sizes, oddball waist sizes, powder specific, more expensive, etc. That said, non of the boards in the Venture bargain bin are award winners for a reason like the Zephyr-R.

As for ebay, the board that sold was a 160 wide that sold for $450 buy it now with $50 shipping = $500. There is a reason that it is the only venture on ebay and it sold for a higher price - these boards are the sh!t. I may still take your advice and drop this on ebay, but I'd rather give someone a good deal without paying the man 11% in listing fees.